Bicycle sheds have become an integral part of bicycle lovers' houses. If you live in a city or a suburb, there is no household that does not have a bicycle shed. Having a bicycle shed is good because it will keep your vehicle safe from possible bike vandals. With that being said, you should be able to choose a good one in the market and spend less on purchasing it.
You should take into consideration several factors before actually getting rid of your money in exchange for a bicycle shed. The purpose of this article is to help you through planning your purchase of one of many good bicycle storage sheds effectively and to avoid making any mistakes.
Ease Of Installation
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The ease of installation is another important consideration to make while planning to buy a bicycle shed. Assembling a bicycle shed, or any other type of outdoor storage shed will be much easier if you have the right tools and hardware. Some manufacturers offer full building kits that include all the hardware needed to assemble the shed. Others provide a detailed manual with step-by-step instructions or provide a short instructional video that can be downloaded from their website.
If you are not comfortable assembling your own bicycle storage shed, you can hire someone else to do it for you. Alternatively, you can buy a fully assembled bicycle shed and have it delivered right to your doorstep. You can also buy a shed that has been partially built, but not completely finished. It will come with doors and windows, but you will have to finish it when you get home.
Choosing The Right Material for Your Bicycle Shed
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Regardless of the material you choose to build your bicycle shed, remember that it will be exposed to rain and sunlight. This is why it is important to choose a good material that will last longer and not deteriorate easily. Also, if the bicycle shed is not waterproof, then it would be useless as you would want to keep your bicycles dry.
If you are looking for affordable materials to build a bicycle shed then wood or metal are your best options. Both these materials can be used with ease to create a small and simple structure. However, if you have some experience in construction work, then using concrete or bricks can also be considered.
Security
If you are storing expensive or valuable items inside your shed then security is a big issue that needs to be considered as part of your purchase decision. Sheds without integral security features will need additional locking devices fitted by the buyer.
Choosing The Right Location For Your Shed
source: Pinterest by The bike shed company
When choosing the right location for your shed, consider how much space you'll need to get your bike or bikes in and out of the shed with ease. Your shed will also need to be positioned somewhere that provides enough room for you to manoeuvre your bike(s) in and out of the doors. It's important to consider the size of your garden when deciding where to position your shed as this will determine what type and size of shed you can buy - as well as how many bikes you are able to store in it.
You'll need to have a strong, level base that is free from any protruding objects (like tree roots), which can damage both your bike and the shed itself over time. If you don't have space for a shed on a pre-existing patio or concrete area, then you may need to build a base yourself using either concrete or paving slabs. If neither of these options is viable then there are still other options available though.
Consider The Costs
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The price of the shed will depend on the material and size, with wooden sheds typically more expensive than metal ones. Ideally, the cost should be reasonable relative to the number of bikes that you need to store. Make sure that the money that you spend is worth it. The first question you should ask yourself is: Do I want to buy a shed, or do I want to build one? There are pros and cons to both of these options, but if you want a quick, DIY solution that won't cost much, then it may be better to build your own. If you're looking for something more permanent that will last for years, then going with a pre-made shed may be the way to go.
To Sum Up
In the end, it really comes down to what you need in a shed. Do you want something that's meant to last, or do you prefer one that is more affordable and can be replaced more easily? As with any purchase, there are tradeoffs either way.
Either way, at the end of the day it's about having a safe and secure place for your bicycle and other equipment. This article hopefully gave you a few factors to consider that you may not have thought about in advance. But as long as you plan accordingly and purchase a solid structure for your needs, chances are you will be content with whichever shed you choose.